Looks like SNL is clearing house before season 51. Released so far are
- Devon Walker (3 seasons) – which is fair enough because he’s always been terrible. Not only is he always visibly reading the cue cards, he always seems surprised by what’s on the cue cards. Amazed he got three seasons, frankly.
- Emil Wakim (1 season) – a shame because he was pretty good last season and brought something different to the cast. Plus, I feel like he’d have a pretty good Mamdani impression in him.
- Heidi Gardner (8 seasons) – my initial reaction was “oh no but she’s so good”. Then I saw how long she’s been on the show and, even allowing for the fact that it takes a few seasons to get much of foothold as a featured cast member now, that’s plenty really.
- Michael Longfellow (3 seasons) – this really sucks though. Longfellow is great and it really felt like he was hitting his stride last season. I really wanted him to take over Weekend Update, but I guess not.
I suspect there’ll be at least five more “releases” before the new season. It’s practically an open secret at this point that at least one of Colin Jost and Michael Che are leaving (they’ve been screen-testing new Weekend Update anchors, apparently). Seems foolish to think Kenan will ever leave, but he really should. I’d get rid of Jane Wickline in a heartbeat, but I have a sneaking suspicion she’ll survive. Ashley Padilla seems a lock to not only stay but get promoted to full cast member, but who knows? If Longfellow’s not safe, who is?
